Must-try specialty foods of Lu'an

Lu'an boasts a rich and diverse culinary scene, popular with both tourists and locals.

1. Traditional Pastries
- Shouxian Big Rescue Pastry: This traditional Shouxian pastry dates back to the Ming Dynasty and was once a tribute to the imperial court. With a soft, glutinous exterior and a savory filling, it melts in your mouth, offering a predominantly salty flavor with hints of sweetness.
- Jinzhai Chestnut Crisp: Jinzhai is known as the "land of chestnuts." Jinzhai Chestnut Crisps are made with locally grown chestnuts using a blend of traditional and Western baking techniques. They are melt-in-your-mouth treats with a crispy exterior and a sweet filling.

2. Specialty Snacks
- Lu'an Stinky Tofu: This famous Lu'an snack is a common sight in streets and alleys. People gather around, enjoying the sizzling sound of frying and the unique aroma of stinky tofu, creating a distinctive culinary experience.
- Fried Chicken-Shredded Buns: A traditional delicacy with a long history, these buns are made with flour, shredded chicken, and other ingredients. The preparation involves kneading dough, proofing, rolling out wrappers, filling, and deep-frying. They feature a thin, crispy skin and a generous, flavorful filling.
- Artemisia Rice Cake: Popular in southern Anhui and the Lu'an area, this snack has a history spanning hundreds of years. Made with artemisia, rice flour, preserved meat, and artemisia leaves, the cakes are mixed, shaped, and steamed. They offer a crispy exterior, a tender interior, and a sweet, fragrant taste.
- Pig's Head Noodles: A traditional Lu'an snack with a long history, the most famous vendor is "Fatty Pig's Head Noodles." Its delicious flavor comes from the owner's years of experimentation and refinement, using four simple seasonings that perfectly suit local tastes.
- Lu'an Mung Bean Balls: These balls are made with mung bean flour, peanuts, and bean sprouts. After being deep-fried, they are added to soup and enjoyed as a popular summer breakfast in Lu'an.

3. Dishes
- Wanfo Lake Fish Head Soup (Whole Fish Feast): Also known as the "Hundred Fish Feast," this is a famous Lu'an dish. Wanfo Lake Fish Head Soup, or Wanfo Lake Clay Pot Fish Head, is made with wild bighead carp from Wanfo Lake, simmered in lake water for an authentic, fresh, and flavorful experience.
- Braised Goose: Made with Western Anhui white goose, the meat is tender and flavorful. Preserved goose is a perfect accompaniment to rice and wine.
- Preserved Meat with Ricefield Eel: Locally cured preserved meat is stir-fried until translucent and then combined with local wild ricefield eel. Carefully prepared, this dish offers a delightful combination of color, aroma, and flavor.
- Lao Ban Zhang Braised Pork: With its vibrant red color, tender texture, and lingering fragrance, this dish is a true culinary masterpiece. Its exceptional color, aroma, flavor, and presentation have made it a featured dish for state leaders and foreign dignitaries.

4. Drinks and Others
- Shucheng Xiaolan Flower Tea: Produced in Shucheng County, Anhui Province, this tea has a unique taste and aroma, making it a true tea treasure.
- Huoshan Huangya Tea: Also from the Lu'an area, this tea offers a distinct aroma and flavor.
- Dendrobium officinale Grass Jelly Cake: Made with fresh dendrobium officinale juice, osmanthus honey, and fish glue powder, this cake is simmered over low heat and then chilled for six hours. It has a jade-like appearance, a chewy yet soft texture, a sweet taste, and is believed to have beauty-enhancing properties.

These specialty foods not only showcase the unique culinary culture of Lu'an but also offer an authentic taste of the region.